Gas Concentration Measurement with Light Source Deterioration Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas sensors face challenges in accurately correcting for the influence of deterioration of the light source, leading to variations in measurement accuracy due to factors such as aging and environmental changes.
Innovation Solution
The concentration measurement apparatus employs a dual-sensor system with a first detection unit for measuring the gas concentration and a second detection unit for measuring a physical quantity independent of gas concentration, combined with temperature measurement, to correct for variations using zero and span corrections, and performs calibration based on ventilation and user input to maintain accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If frequent calibration is performed to maintain measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting light source deterioration trends and performing calibration only when necessary. The determination unit monitors the light source output over time and predicts when calibration will be needed, allowing the system to prepare and execute calibration at optimal moments rather than following fixed schedules, thus reducing unnecessary calibration time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the determination unit continuously monitors the light source output and compares it against reference values. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically detect when calibration is actually needed based on real-time deterioration data, rather than performing calibration on fixed schedules. The feedback control reduces unnecessary calibrations while ensuring accuracy is maintained when it matters.
2Productivity
If calibration is delayed to reduce time loss, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically monitoring its own light source health and determining when calibration is needed without external intervention. The determination unit autonomously tracks light source deterioration, compares measurements against reference standards, and triggers calibration only when actual deterioration exceeds thresholds. This self-service capability allows the system to maintain accuracy proactively while minimizing unnecessary calibration interruptions to productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static, fixed-schedule calibration to dynamic, condition-based calibration. The calibration timing is no longer rigid but adapts based on real-time light source performance data. The determination unit dynamically adjusts calibration needs based on actual deterioration rates, environmental conditions, and usage patterns, allowing the system to extend intervals between calibrations when stable while tightening them when deterioration accelerates, thus optimizing both accuracy and productivity.
3Device complexity
If a single detection unit is used to simplify the device, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to correct for light source deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The second detection unit serves multiple functions: it directly measures light source output for deterioration detection, provides reference measurements for calibration, and enables correction algorithms to compensate for light source aging. This multi-functional design allows a single additional sensor to accomplish several critical tasks that would otherwise require complex separate systems, justifying its inclusion by delivering substantial precision improvement relative to the added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The second detection unit acts as an intermediary that measures light source characteristics without directly measuring gas concentration. It mediates between the light source and the first detection unit by providing independent light output data that enables the determination unit to calculate and apply correction factors. This intermediary measurement approach allows the system to separate light source monitoring from gas concentration measurement, improving precision while keeping the overall system structure relatively simple through functional specialization.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach ensures high measurement accuracy by correcting for sensor deterioration, reducing unnecessary calibrations, and allowing calibration at optimal times, thereby maintaining precision and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a light-emitting unit (10) configured to emit light; a first detection unit (21) configured to measure a first measurement value of a first physical quantity that varies in response to light from the light-emitting unit (10) passing through the measurement target (110)
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an apparatus including a measuring unit including a light-emitting unit and a first sensor for measuring a first measurement value of a first physical quantity that varies in response to light emitted from the light-emitting unit passing through a measurement target; a second sensor for measuring a second measurement value of a second physical quantity having a correlation with a standard value of the first measurement value, among physical quantities relating to the measuring unit; a third sensor for measuring a third measurement value of a third physical quantity having a correlation with the standard value; a detection unit for detecting presence or absence or a concentration of the gas to be detected in the measurement target, based on the first measurement value; and a determination unit for determining whether a deterioration amount of accuracy of the first measurement value has exceeded a threshold.